Karachi, Pakistan – WhatsApp, the world’s most popular messaging platform, is reportedly developing a major upgrade for its web client that Pakistani users have been asking for years. According to the trusted tech news portal WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is working on introducing voice and video calls for group chats directly from WhatsApp Web, a feature that could transform the way users communicate online.
Currently, WhatsApp Web allows users to send messages, images, and documents from their browser. However, the ability to make calls, especially group calls, has been limited. With this upcoming feature, users will finally be able to participate in voice and video group calls directly from their web browsers without relying on a mobile device or installing additional apps.
Aligning WhatsApp Web With Mobile and Desktop Apps
This new development is part of WhatsApp’s larger strategy to bring its web experience closer to what users already enjoy on mobile and desktop apps. Traditionally, making calls on WhatsApp required either a smartphone or the dedicated desktop app. This limited users who were using shared computers, public devices, or temporary systems.
By enabling calls directly on the web client, WhatsApp aims to remove these barriers. Once the feature is rolled out, anyone with access to a modern browser will be able to join a group call seamlessly, making it easier for students, office workers, and families to stay connected.
A WABetaInfo report indicates that the company has been actively working on the web client, iterating on voice and video calling features to match the functionality available on Android and iOS. While basic calling support was partially announced last year, group calling capabilities were still in their infancy. This new update focuses on improving those functionalities and making group calls fully compatible with web users.
Group Call Features and Participant Limits
According to the report, the upcoming WhatsApp Web update will allow users to start calls directly from group chats. This means every member of a group can join the conversation, whether they are on a mobile phone, desktop app, or web browser.
While WhatsApp has not officially confirmed the maximum number of participants for web group calls, industry insiders speculate that the limit will be up to 32 participants, aligning with current limits on mobile apps. It is possible that WhatsApp might initially launch the feature with a lower participant limit before scaling it up to accommodate larger groups.
This update is expected to bring other familiar mobile features to the web platform, such as muting participants, switching between audio and video mid-call, and using a stable interface for shared screen options, though official details remain limited at this stage.
Call Links: Simplifying Invitations
One of the most exciting additions reportedly coming to WhatsApp Web is the ability to generate call links. Similar to what users already experience on mobile apps, this feature will allow participants to create a link for a voice or video call directly from a group chat.
These links can be shared with friends, family, or colleagues, making it easier to join calls without manually inviting each participant. The convenience of call links is particularly useful for large groups or businesses that frequently conduct online meetings. For students, it means easier access to online study groups and virtual classrooms.
Scheduled Calls: Planning Ahead Made Easy
In addition to real-time calls, WhatsApp Web is reportedly working on a call scheduling feature. Users will be able to set up scheduled voice or video calls for both individual and group chats. Each scheduled call will include a name, description, and approximate start and end times, and participants will receive notifications in advance.
Unlike automated meetings on some other platforms, these calls will not start automatically, giving users full control over when they join. Scheduled calls can be particularly useful for business teams, online classes, and families living in different time zones.
This level of planning and organization brings WhatsApp Web closer to a full-featured communication platform, bridging the gap between casual messaging and professional online collaboration.
Why This Update Matters for Pakistan
Pakistan has one of the largest user bases for WhatsApp in South Asia. According to industry estimates, millions of Pakistanis rely on WhatsApp daily for personal communication, education, and business purposes.
Currently, many users face limitations when trying to make group calls on shared computers or in professional settings. By enabling voice and video group calls on the web, WhatsApp will:
- Increase accessibility: Users won’t need a personal smartphone to join important calls.
- Support online education: Students can participate in group discussions directly from a web browser.
- Facilitate remote work: Businesses can conduct meetings without relying on mobile apps.
- Simplify family and social connections: Larger family groups can connect more easily, regardless of device.
For Pakistani households with multiple members sharing a single device, this upgrade will make staying connected much more convenient.
Current Status and Release Timeline
As of now, the voice and video call features on WhatsApp Web are still under development. WABetaInfo confirms that these updates are not yet available for beta testing, and no official release date has been announced.
WhatsApp is reportedly focusing on refining the user experience, addressing bugs, and ensuring stability before rolling out the update to the general public. Given WhatsApp’s history of phased rollouts, it is likely that these features will first appear in the beta version before being made available to all users.
What This Means for Users
Once released, these upgrades will make WhatsApp Web much more than a messaging tool. Users can expect:
- Seamless transition between devices – start a conversation on mobile, continue on the web.
- Greater flexibility – join calls from a browser on a public or shared computer.
- Enhanced collaboration – schedule group calls for work or school with reminders.
- Simplified access – create call links that anyone can use to join.
For tech enthusiasts and professionals in Pakistan, this could mark a major shift in how WhatsApp is used daily, moving it closer to competitors like Zoom and Google Meet for group communication.
Future Possibilities
While WhatsApp Web currently focuses on messaging and media sharing, these upcoming features signal the company’s intention to expand into full-fledged web communication. Future possibilities could include:
- Screen sharing for business and education purposes.
- Integration with calendars for automatic call reminders.
- Larger participant limits for business webinars.
- Improved security and encryption for web calls, maintaining WhatsApp’s privacy standards.
For now, Pakistani users can look forward to more accessible and flexible communication options without relying solely on mobile devices.